FRANKFORT, Ky. (3/7/18) — The Bluegrass will soon be glowing orange with the help of local businesses shedding light on the importance of work zone safety. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet invites organizations and residents to pledge to light buildings, structures, bridges and homes in the color orange on Wednesday, April 11 as part of the “Glow Orange, Kentucky” initiative inspired by the nation’s observance of “Go Orange Day” to promote work zone safety.

First introduced in 2017, the “Glow Orange, Kentucky” initiative drew participation from 13 organizations, lighting prominent Kentucky structures like the Florence Y’all Water Tower in northern Kentucky and the Big Four Bridge in Louisville. Organizations are asked to complete an online pledge form by Friday, March 23. Participants will be featured in the KYTC’s promotional materials during National Work Zone Awareness Week April 9-13.

“We were pleased with the participation of businesses last year to support work zone safety,” said KYTC Secretary Greg Thomas. “The sad truth is the majority of work zone victims are motorists. Glowing orange gives a visual reminder to drivers to avoid distractions behind the wheel and exercise caution when traveling through work zones.”

According to the Federal Highway Administration, on average, one person dies every 13 hours and one person is injured every 13 minutes in a work zone in the United States. Glowing orange will help to raise awareness throughout Kentucky about the importance of protecting the lives of motorists and workers in stationary or mobile work zones. Many Kentucky drivers encounter at least one work zone during their daily travels, and a momentary distraction can result in a permanent injury or loss of life.

NWZAW takes place in April to mark the unofficial start of construction season for many states when the number of crews working on road projects increases.

For inclusion in the Cabinet’s “Glow Orange, Kentucky” participants list, please complete the online pledge form by 5 p.m. Friday, March 23.